forest river Coachmen Clipper Owner's manual

Brand: forest river

Model: Coachmen Clipper

Category: Cars

Type: Owner's manual

www.forestriverinc.com

Begin the Journey!

BEGIN THE JOURNEY!

Camping Trailer

Owner’s Manual

Camping Trailer

Owner’s Manual

Camping Trailer

Forest River Interactive Mobile Manuals

Download your Forest River mobile app or visit our dynamic online manual to

enhance your ownership experience. These interactive options provide incredible

ease and insight into use, maintenance and enjoyment of your Forest River product.

Ranging from “How-To” videos, pictures and illustrations of various components,

systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for

individual component owner’s manuals, answers are always just a click away.

Visit www.forestriverinc.com/manuals or scan

the QR Code to access even more information on your

Forest River product. Never be without your manual again!

OwnersManualCovers.indd 13-14 8/20/2014 8:32:18 AM

1-877-801-0333

www.forestriverinc.com

Begin the Journey!

BEGIN THE JOURNEY!

Camping Trailer

Owner’s Manual

Camping Trailer

Owner’s Manual

Camping Trailer

Forest River Interactive Mobile Manuals

Download your Forest River mobile app or visit our dynamic online manual to

enhance your ownership experience. These interactive options provide incredible

ease and insight into use, maintenance and enjoyment of your Forest River product.

Ranging from “How-To” videos, pictures and illustrations of various components,

systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for

individual component owner’s manuals, answers are always just a click away.

Visit www.forestriverinc.com/manuals or scan

the QR Code to access even more information on your

Forest River product. Never be without your manual again!

OwnersManualCovers.indd 13-14 8/20/2014 8:32:18 AM

1-877-801-0333

www.forestriverinc.com

Begin the Journey!

BEGIN THE JOURNEY!

Camping Trailer

Owner’s Manual

Camping Trailer

Owner’s Manual

Camping Trailer

Forest River Interactive Mobile Manuals

Download your Forest River mobile app or visit our dynamic online manual to

enhance your ownership experience. These interactive options provide incredible

ease and insight into use, maintenance and enjoyment of your Forest River product.

Ranging from “How-To” videos, pictures and illustrations of various components,

systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for

individual component owner’s manuals, answers are always just a click away.

Visit www.forestriverinc.com/manuals or scan

the QR Code to access even more information on your

Forest River product. Never be without your manual again!

OwnersManualCovers.indd 13-14 8/20/2014 8:32:18 AM

1-877-801-0333

www.forestriverinc.com

Begin the Journey!

BEGIN THE JOURNEY!

Camping Trailer

Owner’s Manual

Camping Trailer

Owner’s Manual

Camping Trailer

Forest River Interactive Mobile Manuals

Download your Forest River mobile app or visit our dynamic online manual to

enhance your ownership experience. These interactive options provide incredible

ease and insight into use, maintenance and enjoyment of your Forest River product.

Ranging from “How-To” videos, pictures and illustrations of various components,

systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for

individual component owner’s manuals, answers are always just a click away.

Visit www.forestriverinc.com/manuals or scan

the QR Code to access even more information on your

Forest River product. Never be without your manual again!

OwnersManualCovers.indd 13-14 8/20/2014 8:32:18 AM

1-877-801-0333

2643369-Camping Trailer OM-cover.indd 1 8/20/16 12:58 PM

Welcome Letter

Welcome Home!

Thank you for selecting a Forest River tent camper, and welcome to the lifestyle that gives you the freedom to travel

and enjoy camping fun whenever you wish.

Your Forest River tent camper complies with the requirements set forth by the Recreational Vehicle Institute Associa-

tion, as well as various other federal and state agencies.

Items of quality, such as this tent camper, respond best to considerate treatment and care. Therefore, before using it,

we suggest that you review the entire contents of this manual. The material within has been prepared in sufficient detail

to be of maximum assistance, and the illustrations will be of considerable help when you are getting to know your new

camper.

Review this manual with your dealer. They should be able to answer any questions you may have. Read all the litera-

ture supplied with your new tent camper, including all warranty and warranty registration information. Remember to vali-

date the warranties by completing and mailing the individual warranty cards for each of the respective manufacturers.

Be sure your dealer has completed and returned your Forest River Tent Camper Warranty Registration Form.

Be sure your dealer has installed the propane container bracket, as well as the propane container and regulator. Check

that the connection has been made between the regulator and the propane manifold. Have your dealer explain the

operation of filling the propane container as well as how to check the system for leaks.

Keep this Owner’s Manual with the camper for easy reference, observing and following all instructions and warnings

associated with its use. Remember that accidents are usually caused by failure to observe simple and fundamental

safety rules or precautions. Accidents can be prevented by recognizing the cause of the accidents and by avoiding the

action, or inaction, that may lead to an accident. A careful owner is the best insurance against an accident. You can

also access this information by visiting www.forestriverinc.com and selecting the appropriate prompts or by download-

ing the mobile phone app at the Apple

APP Store or Google Play

for Android

Your tent camper underwent a thorough inspection before it was shipped to the dealer. However, to ensure your com-

plete satisfaction, the dealer will perform an inspection of various components and the operating system of your camper

before you take delivery. Take time to walk through this inspection with your dealer. A walk around with your dealer will

help you become more familiar with your new tent camper and its components, while providing you with the assurance

that everything is in proper working order. If you are not familiar with tent camper towing, schedule a test drive with your

dealer. Ask any questions you may have at this time.

Your tent camper was designed for short-term and recreational use. It was not designed to be used as a permanent

dwelling. If you intend to use your camper as a permanent dwelling, it could cause your drapes, upholstery, and inte-

rior surfaces to deteriorate prematurely. This premature damage or wear, caused by permanent residency, may, under

the terms of Forest River’s warranty, be considered abnormal and abusive and COULD REDUCE YOUR WARRANTY

COVERAGE.

Should a problem develop for which you need assistance, contact your Forest River Inc. dealer. If you are experienc-

ing an appliance problem, check the appliance manufacturers’ information for information regarding warranty work

and/or for the location of an appliance service center.

If you experience a camper problem when traveling, and your camper is under warranty, and you cannot locate an

authorized service center, contact your Forest River Inc. dealer BEFORE having repairs performed at an independent

service center. Your dealer can advise you about what is covered under the terms of your warranty. If a warranty part

requires replacement, return the part, along with your invoice, to your local dealer. Doing so enables your dealer to note

what has occurred and ensures that you are properly reimbursed for your expenditures. Modifications made to the tent

camper without written authorization from the Forest River Inc. Warranty or Service Dept. can result in reduction or loss

of warranty coverage. Please be sure to contact your dealer before making such changes.

Some products described or displayed in this manual may be optional equipment, and not included with your camper.

Any special equipment, modifications, or additions made by, or at the request of, the customer, or any subsequent

owner, whether made at the factory or in the field, are not covered in this manual. We reserve the right to change the

construction, or material, of any part, at any time, without incurring the obligation to install such changes on previously

manufactured tent campers.

This Owner’s Manual was current at the time of printing; however, products are continually being upgraded and

improved; therefore, some differences may occur between the description in this manual and the product/s in your

camper. If differences do occur, follow the component manufacturer’s instructions provided with your Forest River Inc.

tent camper Owner’s literature packet.

We wish you many happy and adventurous days as you make great memories with your new Forest River Inc. tent

camper.

Travel Safely and...GO RV’ing!

Limited Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY TENT CAMPERS RECREATIONAL VEHICLES BY FOREST RIVER INC.

Thank you for choosing to purchase a Recreational Vehicle by Forest River Inc., a fine product in which design and construction have received the care that quality

demands. This important warranty covers many items and is indicative of our desire to stand behind our products and assure our customers’ complete satisfaction.

If at any time the need arises to speak with a Forest River representative please find our contact information in our owner’s manual or at www.forestriverinc.com.

WARRANTY COVERAGE SUMMARY OF WARRANTY: Forest River Inc., 55470 CR 1, P.O. Box 3030, Elkhart, Indiana 46515-3030 (Warrantor) warrants to the

ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER ONLY, when purchased from an authorized Forest River Inc. dealer, for the periods stated below (Warranty Period), that the

covered structures and components of this recreational vehicle shall be free of substantial defects in materials and workmanship attributable to Warrantor.

a. One Year Limited Materials & Workmanship Warranty. Warrantor warrants for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase (Warranty Period), that the

body structure of this recreational vehicle shall be free of substantial defects in materials and workmanship attributable to Warrantor.

b. Five Year Parts / Three Year Parts & Labor Limited Roof, Tent, & Frame. Warrantor further warrants that the roof, tent and frame are free from substantial

defect from the factory in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years for parts and three (3) years for labor from the date of purchase, under normal use

conditions.

EXCLUSIONS FROM THIS WARRANTY:

Warrantor expressly disclaims any responsibility for damage to the unit where damage is due to condensation, normal wear

and tear or exposure to elements. Warrantor makes no warranty with regard to, but not limited to, the chassis including without limitation, any mechanical parts or sys-

tems of the chassis, axles, tires, tubes, batteries and gauges, optional generators, routine maintenance, equipment and appliances, or audio and/or video equipment.

Their respective manufacturers and suppliers may warrant some of these items. Warranty information with respect to these items is available from your dealer.

Excessive deterioration or discoloration caused by overexposure to the sun may be excluded from this warranty. Damage caused by rips, tears, snags, fading, soil-

ing, unraveling, environmental issues (mold, mildew, etc.), harsh chemical cleaners and or other abuse is not covered under this warranty. Installation of a roof air

conditioner must be performed only at the designated area on the roof by an approved Forest River Inc. dealer. Improper installation of a roof air conditioner will void

warranty coverage of the roof, lifter system, and related components.

This recreational vehicle is designed solely for its intended purpose of recreational camping and personal use. Warrantor makes no warranty with regard to any rec-

reational vehicle used for commercial, rental, or business purposes, or any recreational vehicle not registered and regularly used in the United States or Canada. For

purposes of this limited warranty, it shall be deemed conclusive evidence of commercial, rental, or business purposes if the recreational vehicle is licensed, titled,

registered, or insured in the name of any corporation, LLC, or any other form of business or commercial entity.

LIMITATION AND DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES: WARRANTOR EXPRESSLY LIMITS THE DURATION OF ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF

MERCHANTABILITY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE EXCEPT IN THOSE STATES THAT DO NOT ALLOW THIS

EXCLUSION. WARRANTOR EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE

AFTER EXPIRATION OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. No action to enforce express or implied warranties shall be commenced later than ninety (90) days after expi-

ration of the Warranty Period. There is no warranty of any nature made by the Warrantor beyond that contained in this Warranty. No person has authority to enlarge,

amend or modify this Warranty or to bind the Warrantor to any action under this warranty, except the Warrantor.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.

No action to enforce express or implied warranties shall be commenced without prior written notice to the manufacturer and/or Warrantor at the address listed above

of the alleged defect or nonconformity or the authorized repair facility’s failed repair attempt and MANUFACTURER, AT ITS DIRECT OPTION, SHALL HAVE A FINAL

OPPORTUNITY TO REMEDY.

DISCLAIMER OF CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES: THE ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER OF THIS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AND ANY

PERSON TO WHOM THIS UNIT IS TRANSFERRED, AND ANY PERSON WHO IS AN INTENDED OR UNINTENDED USER OR BENEFICIARY OF THIS UNIT,

SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER FROM WARRANTOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

NOTICE of any dispute or claim arising under this warranty or any applicable Federal or State laws must be sent to Warrantor at: Forest River Inc., 55470 CR 1,

P.O. Box 3030, Elkhart, Indiana 46515-3030

The terms, conditions, rights and responsibilities of this warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of Indiana notwithstanding any other state laws.

WARRANTOR’S OBLIGATIONS: Warrantor will remedy substantial defects in materials and workmanship caused by Warrantor. Warrantor shall elect to remedy the

defect from among the following: repair or replacement. Warranty performance can only be obtained at Warrantor’s authorized dealers and service centers and from

Warrantor at the discretion of the Warrantor. All costs incurred in transporting this recreational vehicle for warranty service shall be borne by Purchaser. Warrantor

shall remedy the defect within a reasonable amount of time after appointment and delivery by Purchaser. All of Warrantor’s expenses in remedying the defect shall

be borne by the Warrantor.

PURCHASER’S OBLIGATIONS: Purchaser shall deliver this recreational vehicle for warranty service within a reasonable time after discovery of the defect and in no

event after expiration of the Warranty Period, which Warranty Period is one (1) year. All expenses incurred by Purchaser in obtaining warranty service shall be borne

by Purchaser. Warranty service shall, whenever possible, be scheduled with the selling dealer by an appointment in order to avoid possible delays. Purchaser can,

if necessary, obtain a list of persons authorized to perform warranty service by contacting Warrantor at the above address. No action to enforce express or implied

warranties shall be commenced without prior written notice to the manufacturer and/or Warrantor at the address listed above of the alleged defect or nonconformity

or the authorized repair facility’s failed repair attempt and MANUFACTURER, AT ITS DIRECT OPTION, SHALL HAVE A FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO REMEDY.

EVENTS DISCHARGING WARRANTOR FROM OBLIGATION UNDER THIS WARRANTY: Misuse or neglect, including failure to provide reasonable and necessary

maintenance, unauthorized alteration, accident, and improper loading, use as a permanent or full time residence, commercial use or leasing of the recreational

vehicle, shall discharge Warrantor from any obligation under this Warranty. Notwithstanding these or other terms discharging the Warrantor, the provision of service

by a Forest River authorized service center, authorization of repairs by Forest River, or any other attempt to resolve a complaint or request for warranty service shall

not constitute a waiver of Warrantor’s rights.

PARTS AND DESIGN CHANGES: Warrantor reserves the right to change the parts and design of its recreational vehicle from time to time without notice and with

no obligation to maintain spare parts or make corresponding changes in its products previously manufactured.

OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE: To ensure your local dealer’s personal interest in your complete satisfaction, it is recommended that all warranty service be

performed by the authorized dealer from whom you purchased your unit. Following a move or as you are traveling, should warranty service become necessary, such

service shall be performed by any authorized dealer in the United States or Canada. Such service shall also, whenever possible, be scheduled by an appointment

in order to avoid possible delays.

WARRANTY REGISTRATION: A warranty registration is to be completed by the owner at the time of purchase and returned to the Warrantor. The return of this reg-

istration is a condition precedent to warranty coverage; failure to return the completed registration to Warrantor will invalidate this Warranty.

OTHER WARRANTIES: As indicated in the paragraph above, entitled ‘Exclusions From This Warranty’, certain items that are not covered by this Warranty may be

warranted separately by their manufacturers or suppliers. In order to validate those warranties, you may also be required to complete and return to the appropriate

manufacturer the warranty forms included with the information package. See these warranties with respect to their terms and conditions. These other warranties may

cover such items as chassis, tires, tubes, batteries, optional generators, and appliances, which are not covered by this Limited Warranty. For service or parts required

for these products, it may be necessary to write or call the product manufacturer to obtain the nearest authorized service center location. In requesting parts for

separately warranted products from the manufacturer of the product or its authorized service center, it may also be necessary to first obtain a warranty work autho-

rization number before the work is done. It may also be necessary to provide the Product Name, Model and Serial Number along with the description of the prob-

lem and part needed, plus shipping instructions.

OWNER ASSISTANCE: Your confidence and goodwill are important to Forest River Inc. as is maintaining a pleasant relationship with our dealers. We, at Forest

River, recognize that there may be occasions when a warranty or service problem is not handled to your satisfaction. After discussing the situation with the dealer-

ship management, if your problem has not been resolved to your satisfaction, we welcome you to contact the Forest River Customer Service Manager at the address

listed above. Our recommendations for an agreeable solution will be communicated to the local dealer. Forest River customer service contacts can be found in

our owner’s manual or by visiting www.forestriverinc.com.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

Revised 11/7/18

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Welcome Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Manufacturers’ Warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Dealer’s Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Customer’s Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Coach-Net™ Roadside Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Identification And Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Vehicle ID Decals and Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Vehicle Serial Number Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Safety Regulations and Propane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Safety Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Fire Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Tire Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Weighing, Loading And Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Weight Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Weighing Your Camping Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Pre-Travel Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Loading Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Packing For Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Living Quarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Prolonged Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Condensation and Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Propane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Fresh Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Water Center Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Traveling with Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Water Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Sanitizing Portable Water System . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Toilet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Winterization and De-winterization . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Water System Maintenance and Troubleshooting . 37

Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Furnace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Water Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Care And Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Fiberglass and Aluminum Siding . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Seals and Adhesives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Brakes and Wheel Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Jack Post, Dolly Wheel, and Coupler . . . . . . . . . 41

Propane System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Tent Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Tent Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Tent Vinyl Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Crank-Up Lift System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Appliances, Sink and Countertop . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Cushions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Curtains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Vinyl Floor Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Wood Surfaces and Pre-Finished Panels . . . . . . 42

Water System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Bed Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Roof Vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

ABS Plastic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Wintertime Use and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Care and Maintenance Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Propane System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Effects of Formaldehyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

WaterPur™ Water Treatment System . . . . . . . . . . 47

Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Manufacturers’ Warranties

For any components with separate warranties on your

tent camper, be sure to check the literature supplied by

the manufacturer to see if they require you to register

your purchase with them to validate their warranty. These

warranties generally apply only to the original purchaser

of the tent camper. Forest River Inc. recommends that

you send the various warranty registration cards or forms

immediately before any time constraints on registration

expire, possibly voiding your warranty.

Manufacturers’ literature is supplied with the owner’s

information packet in newly delivered units. Only those

products and options, which are installed on your

camper, will be included in this packet. If you have ques-

tions regarding this literature, discuss them with your

dealer during the pre-delivery inspection and report any

literature shortage at that time.

General Warranty Information

The appliances in your tent camper will provide home-

like convenience while traveling. They have been

designed and tested by their manufacturers for maximum

service in a tent camper application. Each appliance in

your camper is covered by Forest River’s comprehensive

warranty as well as being warranted by its respective

manufacturer.

It is important that you review all the literature provided

in the manufacturers’ information packet. Fill out and mail

any warranty registration cards or forms required by the

appliance manufacturer at this time. Failure to do so

could void your warranty. Be sure to have your dealer go

over the operation of the appliances with you, and note

any shortage of literature you may have at that time.

It is important also that you carefully read all the manu-

facturers’ information provided regarding both operation

and maintenance of the appliances. Pay close attention

to all safety precautions given and be sure to follow

them. Keep all literature, including this manual, with the

tent camper for easy reference.

If service on any appliance is required, contact your

dealer, or an authorized service representative of the

appliance manufacturer. Appliances available in the

camper include the range, refrigerator, water heater, and

optional furnace. Operating instructions can be found in

the literature provided with each appliance in the manu-

facturers’ information packet.

NOTE:

Be sure your dealer completes the retail pre-delivery

inspection form and Warranty Registration form (refer to

page 8) supplied with your camper, within 10 days of

purchase, and that both you and the dealer sign and date

them before returning them to Forest River to register

your warranty.

Dealer’s Responsibilities

1. The selling dealership is responsible for inspecting

both factory and dealer installed components for

proper operation. This is known as the pre-delivery

inspection and systems check.

2. Your dealer is required to provide a thorough and

complete walk-through demonstration. This demon-

stration should provide a good understanding of

how your new RV operates.

3. The owner’s information packet should be pre-

sented at this time. This information should include

all warranty cards, component information, opera-

tion and maintenance instructions relating to your

new RV.

4. All component warranty forms should be discussed

and/or completed at this time. Your selling dealer

should assist you in understanding any and all lim-

ited warranty provisions to help you avoid loss of

warranty for any reason. Ask any questions you

may have before leaving the dealership.

5. Your dealer should provide you with information

concerning any need for service for your RV,

whether in or out of their area. They should provide

contact numbers for the dealership both during and

after hours along with contact information for the

correct Forest River division.

Customer’s Responsibilities

1. Regular and proper maintenance - As the owner,

you have the responsibility to properly maintain

your recreational vehicle. Be sure you have service

performed in a timely manner; don’t ignore a prob-

lem. It isn’t always necessary to take your RV to a

service center; sometimes a phone call is all that is

needed. The service technicians can advise you.

2. Familiarize yourself with your RV. Observe all the

component manufacturers’ instructions regarding

the use and service of their products.

3. Complete and send in all the warranty cards. Doing

so may help you avoid conditions arising from

neglect that are not covered under warranty.

4. Is the responsibility of the owner to take the camper

to an authorized Forest River dealer. Failure to do

so, may result in incomplete or no reimbursement

for repairs. Please contact your Forest River Cus-

tomer Service Representative for more information.

Customer Information

W ARNING

Do not modify your RV by adding a hitch, draw bar,

or any other means of towing another trailer or

vehicle behind your RV.

There are many accessories on the market that

allow you to carry bicycles, spare tires, or other

items on the rear of your RV. As long as they do

not exceed the weight limits of the rear bumper on

your RV, these accessories are fine. Some of these

accessories can accept a draw bar (or “tongue”)

with a hitch ball that allows a trailer to be attached

to the back of the RV. NEVER TOW A TRAILER OR

OTHER VEHICLE WITH YOUR RV. Towing items

behind your RV or overloading the rear of the

trailer will void warranty coverage and may result

in instability and loss of control leading to product

damage, serious injury, or death.

NOTE:

Modifications to your RV, without written authorization

from Forest River Inc., could result in reduction or loss of

warranty coverage. Contact your dealer before making

such changes.

The following is a list of suggestions to assist you in

avoiding most warranty issues:

1. Read your warranties and review them with your

selling dealer. The dealer’s obligation is to educate

you regarding the proper and safe operation of your

RV and all its components.

2. Be sure to inspect the entire RV and note any ser-

vice issues.

3. Locate all paperwork and ask any questions you

may have before leaving the dealership.

NOTE:

Forest River Inc. wants you to have the best possible

adventure with your new RV. To get the most enjoyment

out of your new RV and to ensure you fully understand

how your new recreational vehicle operates, please

address immediately any questions or concerns you may

have regarding your RV with your dealer before using

your RV for the first time.

NOTE:

Use your new recreational vehicle responsibly. Your

camper was not designed to be used as a permanent

dwelling, but for short-term and recreational use. If you

intend to use your RV as permanent housing, it could

cause premature wear on your appliances, furnace,

water systems, carpet, drapes, upholstery, bedding and

interior surfaces. This premature wear caused by perma-

nent residency may be considered abnormal or abusive

use and could reduce or in some cases void your war-

ranty coverage.

NOTE:

If you have repairs performed by a non-Forest River

repair center, you still must return the defective part to

Forest River to be considered for warranty repair reim-

bursement.

Coach-Net ®

When you take delivery of your new

Forest River Inc. recreational

vehicle, you are automatically regis-

tered with an emergency roadside

assistance service – free for one

year from date of purchase. We’ve

teamed up with the largest RV

emergency roadside assistance

company in the country to give you

immediate access to fast, depend-

able service when and where you

need it. This is a comprehensive

emergency roadside service that is

available to you 24/7, around the

clock.

For complete details regarding how

to access your Forest River emer-

gency roadside assistance and

product support plan benefits, call

1-877-801-0333 or see the informa-

tion in the back of this manual.

Customer Information

Reporting Safety Defects

THE FOLLOWING IS ADDED AS A REQUIREMENT

OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY

ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA).

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which

could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you

should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying

Forest River Inc.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an

investigation and if it finds that a safety defect exists in

a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy

campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved

in individual problems between you, your dealer, or

Forest River Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety

Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-42 36 (TTY:

1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or

write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street

SW, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain

other information about motor vehicle safety from

http://www.safercar.gov.

Forest River Wants Satisfied Customers

Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to both your

RV dealer and to Forest River. If you experience a prob-

lem and you have exhausted all attempts to rectify the

situation with your RV dealership, you may consider con-

tacting the Forest River Warranty/Customer Service rep-

resentative. Contact information is provided below

according to brand.

When calling, please have the following information

ready:

1. Your VIN number.

2. Name and location of your selling dealer.

3. The date of your purchase.

4. The nature of the problem.

Rockwood/Flagstaff

Phone: (574) 642-2640

Viking RV

Phone: (269) 467-6321

Customer Information

Coach-Net™ Roadside Assistance

Emergency Roadside Assistance

Benefits

On-Site Emergency Roadside Assistance includes services such as towing, at tire assistance, delivery of

emergency uids, jump start/battery boost and lockout/locksmith. Winch out or extraction services required in order

to tow the disabled vehicle are covered for one man, one truck for two hours or two men, two trucks for one hour

up to 100 feet o a maintained road or in a commercial campground.

RV Technical Assistance Hotline is staed with certied technicians and factory-trained representatives who

understand the unique needs of RVers.

Having access to a RV expert who can guide

you through many common

operational issues over the phone is priceless.

RV Service Appointment Assistance is a hassle -free way of arranging for a service appointment when and where

you travel. We make an appointment for you and give you directions and a time that ts your schedule.

Emergency Trip Interruption – Should your vehicle become disabled due to a collision more than 100 miles from

home you may be reimbursed up to $2000; reimbursement up to $300 for the rental of an automobile, up to

$1000 for airline tickets, up to $300 for meals and up to $400 for hotel/motel lodging to

the extent made

necessary by the conditions of the emergency and subject to any limitations under applicable state law.

Emergency Messenger Service – Stay in touch with family and friends with no cost emergency message service.

Nationwide Trip Routing – Make your next trip more enjoyable with custom trip routing and full color maps. We

provide easy-to-follow maps and directions, travel tips, and a list of interesting places to see and much more.

Coverage

Coverage is available for one year on your new RV and one additional family automobile or truck identied as

eligible for the plan. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the toll-free number on

your ID Card. Services are available on a “sign & drive” basis throughout the U.S. and Canada, and services are

available in Mexico but limitations apply.

When you take delivery of your new Forest River RV, you can travel

worry-free knowing you have an RV technical expert and

emergency roadside assistance just a phone call away. We’ve

teamed up with one of the largest, independently owned

emergence roadside assistance providers in the country to give

you immediate access to fast, dependable service when and where

you need it. Coach-Net RV Technical & Roadside Assistance has

been included in your purchase - FREE for 1 year!

For further details regarding how to access your

Emergency Roadside Assistance, please call

1-877 -801 -0333.

Benets and services provided by NMC -RV, Inc. This is a brief summary of the program benets.

Limitations, restrictions and exclusions apply. If there are any conicts between this document and the

Guide, the Guide shall govern.

Customer Information

General Information

LEGEND

Listed below are symbols and descriptions you will find

throughout this manual. They are used to alert you to

possibly dangerous or hazardous situations. When you

see these symbols, please read them carefully and fol-

low the instructions to help prevent damage to your

recreational vehicle and for your personal safety.

DANGER

DANGER! (Indicates a hazardous situ-

ation which, if not avoided, will result in

death or serious injury.) This sign is

commonly RED.

W ARNING

WARNING (Indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided, could

result in death or serious injury.) This

sign is commonly ORANGE.

CAUTIO

CAUTION (Indicates a hazardous situ-

ation which, if not avoided, could result

in vehicle damage or minor to moder-

ate injury.) This sign is commonly YEL-

LOW.

Vehicle ID Decals and Plates

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DATA PLATE

The camper serial number label is mounted on the front

road side of the camper.

Vehicle Serial Number Label

NOTE:

Be prepared to supply model number, serial number and

year when ordering parts or requesting specific informa-

tion regarding your RV.

Forest River Inc. recommends that you keep a copy of

this information separate from the camper in the event

that theft or vandalism requires you to supply a copy to

the authorities.

Decals and data plates, used throughout the camper, aid

in its safe and efficient operation; others give service

instructions. Read all decals, data, and instruction plates

before using your new camper. If a decal, data, or

instruction plate becomes damaged, painted over or

removed, it needs to be replaced.

Safety Regulations and Propane

The following warnings are posted throughout your rec-

reational vehicle to provide information on propane

safety. They have been installed not only because of the

requirement to do so, but also as a constant reminder to

occupants of the recreational vehicle to exercise proper

caution when using or being around propane appliances

and equipment. We are listing them here so you may

study them and be sure that you and your family under-

stand and follow them.

W ARNING

Do not place propane cylinders inside the vehicle.

Propane cylinders are equipped with safety

devices that relieve excessive pressure by dis-

charging propane to the atmosphere. Propane is

highly flammable. Failure to comply may lead to

fire or explosion and result in death or serious

injury.

DANGER

Propane cooking appliances need fresh air for safe

operation. Before operating:

Open vents or windows slightly or turn on the

exhaust fan prior to using the cooking appliance.

Propane flames consume oxygen which must be

replaced to ensure proper combustion. Improper

use may result in death or serious injury.

A warning label is located in the cooking area to

remind you to provide an adequate supply of fresh

air for combustion. Unlike homes, the amount of

oxygen supplied is limited due to the size of the

recreational vehicle, and proper ventilation when

using the cooling appliance(s) will avoid dangers

of asphyxiation.

DANGER

Do not use propane cooking appliances for com-

fort heating. Failure to comply may lead to carbon

monoxide poisoning which can lead to death or

serious injury.

DANGER

Do not store propane containers, gasoline, or

other flammable liquids inside the vehicle as a fire

or explosion may result.

Identification And Safety

DANGER

A warning label is located near the propane con-

tainer. This label reads:

DANGER

Do not fill propane container(s) to more than

80 percent capacity.

A properly filled container will contain approxi-

mately 80 percent of its volume as liquid propane.

Overfilling the propane container can result in

uncontrolled propane flow, which can cause fire or

explosion and result in death or serious injury.

DANGER

IF YOU SMELL PROPANE:

1. Extinguish any open flames and all smoking

materials.

2. Shut off the propane supply at the container

valve(s) or propane supply connection.

3. Do not touch electrical switches.

4. Open doors and other ventilating openings.

5. Leave the area until the odor clears.

6. Have the propane system checked and leak-

age source corrected before using again.

Ignition of flammable vapors could lead to a

fire explosion and result in death or serious

injury.

W ARNING

When using this outdoor cooking area:

• The vehicle must be level and stabilized.

• Do not violate manufacturers’ instructions on

required clearances for cooking appliances

during use.

• Do not store cooking appliances until cool to

the touch.

Can lead to a fire and explosion and result in

death or serious injury.

Safety Devices

W ARNING

Never ignore alarms on safety devices. If the alarm

sounds and you are not absolutely certain of the

source, get everyone out of the recreational

vehicle immediately.

• Always have a plan of escape. Update and practice

your escape plan every six months.

• Have a meeting and discuss the plan, showing

everyone what to do including guests.

• Do not waste time by picking up valuables or getting

dressed. Sometimes seconds count!

• Vacuum any dust off the alarm weekly using the soft

brush attachment.

• DO NOT spray cleaning agents or waxes directly

onto the detector as it may cause damage to the

sensor.

Smoke Detector

• Smoke alarms may not have time to alarm before

the fire causes damage, injury or even death.

• A smoke detector works for only detecting smoke,

not fire.

• The alarm will sound only if smoke reaches the

sensor.

• Check the battery/s at least once a week while the

RV is in use.

• This unit will not alert hearing-impaired residents.

(Special alarms with flashing strobe lights are

needed for the hearing impaired.)

• Smoke alarms have a limited life and are not

foolproof.

• Never attempt to repair this unit; replace if faulty.

• Never disconnect the battery to silence the alarm.

W ARNING

Smoke, propane and CO alarms may have an expi-

ration date. Please consult the individual Owner’s

Manual or on-line at www.forestriverinc.com.

CO Detector

• The carbon monoxide detector is designed to detect

carbon monoxide from any source of combustion. It

is NOT designed to detect smoke, fire or any other

gases.

• This detector doesn’t work without batteries. DO

NOT remove batteries except for replacement.

• Test alarm each week while RV is in use and before

beginning a trip. Press the ‘TEST’ button. If the

alarm fails to sound, replace the unit immediately.

DO NOT attempt to repair.

• For more information, please consult the individual

Owner ’s Manual or on-line at

www.forestriverinc.com.

Identification And Safety

Propane Detector

• This detector senses propane in the air, not smoke

or fire or other gases. It detects the presence of

propane at the sensor; explosive gas may be pres-

ent in other areas.

• Test your propane detector weekly. If the alarm is

located behind a closed door, it may not be heard.

• DO NOT attempt to repair the detector. If it fails the

test, change batteries. If it still does not function

properly, replace the entire unit.

• For more information, please consult the individual

Owner ’s Manual or on-line at

www.forestriverinc.com.

Backup Camera

The backup camera (optional) is located in an elevated

location on the rear wall, directly below the center run-

ning lights. It is a color camera with a built-in micro-

phone. The connection cable exits the camper in the

roadside front corner next to the truck electrical connec-

tion. The mating harness and monitor are available from

your Palomino Dealer.

Fire Safety

Fire safety is an important part of owning a recreational

vehicle. The following basic rules of fire prevention can

help eliminate the possibility of a fire.

1. Never store flammable liquids in the recreational

vehicle.

2. Never leave cooking food unattended.

3. Never smoke in bed and always use an ashtray.

4. Never allow children to play with propane or electri-

cal equipment.

5. Never use an open flame as a flashlight.

6. Have faulty or damaged wiring and electrical com-

ponents repaired immediately.

7. Never overload electrical circuits.

8. Locate any propane leaks and have them repaired

immediately.

9. Keep cooking surfaces clean and free from debris.

10. Don’t allow rubbish to accumulate.

11. Never clean with a flammable substance.

12. Spray fabrics annually with a flame retardant.

NOTE:

Be sure that everyone in your RV is familiar with the

location of all exits, including exit windows.

NOTE:

Make sure everyone is familiar with the location and

proper operation of all fire extinguishers.

W ARNING

Evacuate everyone from the recreational vehicle

immediately.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE WATER TO PUT OUT A

FIRE. Water can spread some types of fire, and

electrocution is possible.

Leave the vehicle immediately and call the fire

department!

Propane regulators must always be installed with

the diaphragm vent facing downward. Regulators

that are not in compartments have been equipped

with a protective cover. Be sure that the regulator

vent faces downward and the cover is kept in place

to minimize vent blockage, which could result in

excessive propane pressure causing fire or explo-

sion.

W ARNING

Portable fuel burning equipment, including wood

or charcoal burning grills and stoves, shall not be

used inside the vehicle. Doing so may cause a fire,

explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, or

asphyxiation.

If you decide it is safe to fight a fire with an extin-

guisher:

• Remove the tamper tape which covers the dis-

charge push button (do not shake).

• Hold it upright and stand six to ten feet from

the fire with a clear path to an exit.

• Press the button down completely, aiming at

the base of the fire, and spray with quick side

to side sweeping motion.

NOTE:

Use the ‘PASS’ method. Familiarize yourself and all RV

occupants with this procedure:

• Pull the pin (some extinguishers may have a car-

tridge you need to push).

• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.

• Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing

agent.

• Spray the base of the fire. (If you aim at the flames,

you won’t extinguish the fire.)

Identification And Safety

DANGER

Avoid inhaling the dry chemicals from the fire

extinguisher. Although non-toxic, they could cause

temporary irritation. When the fire is out, clean the

area as soon as possible. The dry chemicals may

cause surface damage if left too long.

Do not use water to extinguish a fire. Water can

spread some types of fire, and electrocution is

possible.

Underwriter Laboratories classifies fires into three types:

• Class A: Fires in wood, paper, fabric, rubber and

certain plastics.

• Class B: Flammable liquids such as grease, cook-

ing oils, gasoline or kerosene.

• Class C: Electrical fires started from live electrical

wires, shorted motors/switches.

Tire Safety

Before using your RV, you should inspect all the tires for

proper inflation, uneven wear on the tread, cracks, for-

eign objects, or other signs of wear or damage.

Don’t

forget to inspect your spare tire!

If excessive or irregular

tread wear, under-inflation or damage like scrapes,

bulges, cracks, punctures, foreign objects embedded in

the tire are present or if you are experiencing continuous

pressure loss, the tire should be dismounted and

inspected by a trained tire technician.

Tires deteriorate over time even if they are not used or

driven on. This deterioration can cause tires to fail even

when there is no visible sign of damage. Lack of use,

overloading, and underinflation can cause tires to dete-

riorate faster. While there is no hard and fast rule or

expiration date on tires, most experts recommend replac-

ing tires every 4 to 6 years depending on use and

climate.

Regularly inspecting and replacing your tires can help

prevent tire failure.

Use the following information to make tire safety a regu-

lar part of your vehicle maintenance routine.

CAUTIO

Safety First-Basic Tire Maintenance

Properly maintained tires improve steering, stop-

ping, traction, and load-carrying capability of your

vehicle. Under-inflated tires and overloaded

vehicles are major causes of tire failure. Therefore,

to avoid flat tires and other types of tire failures,

you should maintain proper tire pressure, observe

tire and vehicle load limits, avoid road hazards and

regularly inspect your tires.

Understanding Tire Pressure and Load

Limits

Finding Your Vehicle’s Recommended Tire Pressure

and Load Limits

The tire information and vehicle certification label con-

tains information on tires and load limits. These labels

indicate the vehicle manufacturers’ information including:

• Recommended tire size

• Recommended tire inflation pressure

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR – the maxi-

mum occupant and cargo weight a vehicle is

designed to carry.)

• Front and rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWR-the

maximum permissible weight, including cargo, flu-

ids, optional equipment and accessories that can be

safely supported by each axle.)

When taking the trailer out of storage, inspect the tires

thoroughly and be sure there are no cracks in the

grooves and no wires showing. Cracks in the sidewall

could indicate interior damage or separations in the tire.

Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits

Tire inflation pressure is the level of the air in the tire that

provides it with load-carrying capacity and affects the

overall performance of the vehicle. The tire inflation pres-

sure is a number that indicates the amount of air pres-

sure, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), a tire

requires to be properly inflated. (This number is also

expressed in kilopascals (kPa) which is a metric measur-

ing system used internationally).

Vehicle manufacturers determine this number based on

the vehicle’s design load limit, which is the greatest

amount of weight a vehicle can safely carry, and the

vehicle’s tire size. The proper tire pressure for your

vehicle is referred to as the ‘recommended cold inflation

pressure’. Tire pressure should always be measured

when the tire is cold to get an accurate measurement. A

cold tire is one that hasn’t been driven on for at least

three (3) hours. As you drive, your tires get warmer caus-

ing the air pressure within the tire to increase. Therefore,

you cannot get an accurate measurement of tire pres-

sure unless the tire is cold.

Checking Tire Pressure

Because tires are designed to be used on more than one

type of vehicle, tire manufacturers list the ‘maximum per-

missible inflation pressure’ on the sidewall. The number

is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be

put in the tire under normal driving conditions.

Identification And Safety

NOTE:

It is important to check your vehicle’s tire pressure at

least once a month for the following reasons:

• Most tires naturally lose air pressure over time.

• Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pot-

hole or strike the curb when parking.

• With radial tires, it is usually not possible to deter-

mine under inflation by visual inspection. For your

convenience, purchase a tire pressure gauge to

keep in your vehicle.

Tire Safety Tips

NOTE:

Preventing Tire Damage

• Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other

object in the road.

• Do not run over foreign objects in the roadway, and

try not to strike the curb when parking.

W ARNING

Tire Safety and Maintenance Checklist

• Check tire pressure regularly (at least once a

month), including the spare.

• Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the

tread, cracks, foreign objects, or other signs

of wear or trauma.

• Remove bits of glass and any other foreign

objects wedged in the tread.

• Make sure your tire valves have valve caps.

• Check tire pressure before going on a long

trip.

• Do not overload your vehicle. Check the tire

information placard for the maximum recom-

mended load for the vehicle.

• If you are towing a trailer, remember that some

of the weight of the loaded trailer is trans-

ferred to the towing vehicle.

W ARNING

Tire Tips

• Make sure all of the lug nuts are secure. Use a

torque wrench. Do not guess.

• Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the

tread, for cracks, for foreign objects or for

other signs of wear or trauma.

• If you are towing a trailer, remember that some

of the weight of the loaded trailer is trans-

ferred to the towing vehicle.

• Trailers should have the wheel bearings

repacked after being in storage for long peri-

ods of time.

Tire Fundamentals

Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place stan-

dardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This

information identifies and describes the fundamental

characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire identi-

fication number for safety standard certification and in

case of a recall.

Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires

Please refer to the diagram below.

P - The "P" indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles.

NOTE:

Passenger car tires are not recommended for use on

trailers, because the capacity ratings are not marked on

the sidewalls of these tires. In the event a passenger car

tire is used, the capacity must be de-rated by 10%.

Next Number - This three-digit number gives the width in

millimeters of the tire from the sidewall edge to sidewall

edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider the

tire.

Next Number - This two-digit number, known as the

aspect ratio, gives the tire’s ratio of height to width. Num-

bers of 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall for improved

steering response and better overall handling on dry

pavement.

R - The "R" stands for radial. Radial ply construction of

tires has been the industry standard for the past

20 years.

Next Number - This two-digit number is the wheel or rim

diameter in inches. If you change your wheel size, you

will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheel

diameter.

Identification And Safety

Next Number - This two- or three-digit number is the

tire’s load index. It is a measurement of how much

weight each tire can support. You may find this informa-

tion in your Owner’s Manual. If not, contact a local tire

dealer.

NOTE:

You may not find this information on all tires because it is

not required by law.

M+S - The "M+S" or "M/S" indicates that the tire has

some mud and snow capability. Most radial tires have

these markings.

Speed Rating - The speed rating denotes the speed at

which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods

of time. The ratings range from 65 miles per hour (mph)

to 186 mph. These ratings are listed below.

NOTE:

You may not find this information on all tires because it is

not required by law.

Letter Rating Speed Rating

ST 65 mph

Q 99 mph

R 106 mph

S 112 mph

T 118 mph

U 124 mph

H 130 mph

V 149 mph

W 168* mph

Y 186* mph

* For tires with a maximum speed capability over

149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters

ZR. For those with a maximum speed capability over

186 mph, tire manufacturers always use the letters ZR.

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number - This begins with

the letters "DOT" and indicates that the tire meets all

federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are

the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last

four numbers represent the week and year the tire was

built. For example, the numbers 3197 means the 31

week of 1997. The other numbers are marketing codes

used at the manufacturer’s discretion. The information is

used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a

recall.

Tire Ply Composition on Materials Used-The number

of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-coated

fabric in the tire. In general, the greater the number of

plies, the more weight a tire can support. Tire manufac-

turers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which

include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.

Maximum Load Rating - This number indicates the

maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be car-

ried by the tire.

Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure - This num-

ber is the greatest amount of air pressure that should

ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.

Additional Information on Light Truck Tires

Please refer to the following diagram.

Tires for light trucks have other markings besides those

found on the sidewalls of passenger tires.

LT - The "LT" indicates the tire is for light trucks or

trailers.

ST - An "ST" is an indication the tire is for trailer use only.

Max. Load Dual kg (lbs.) at kPa (psi) Cold - This infor-

mation indicates the maximum load and tire pressure

when the tire is used as a dual, that is, when four tires

are put on each rear axle (a total of six or more tires on

the vehicle).

Max. Load Single kg (lbs.) at kPa (psi) Cold - This

information indicates the maximum load and tire pres-

sure when the tire is used as a single.

Load Range - This information identifies the tire’s load-

carrying capabilities and its inflation limits.

Vehicle Load Limits

Determining the load limits of a vehicle includes more

than understanding the load limits of the tires alone.

On a trailer, there is a federal certification label that is

located on the forward half of the left (road) side of the

RV.

Identification And Safety

The certification label will indicate the vehicle’s gross

vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the most weight

the fully loaded vehicle can weigh. It will also provide the

gross axle weight (GAWR). This is the maximum permis-

sible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment

and accessories that can be safely supported by each

axle. If there are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle

will be provided.

In the same location as the certification label described

above, there is a vehicle placard. This placard provides

tire and loading information. In addition, this placard will

show a statement regarding maximum cargo capacity.

Cargo Capacities

Cargo can be added to the vehicle up to the maximum

weight specified on the placard. The combined weight of

the cargo is provided as a single number. In any case,

remember the total weight of a fully loaded vehicle can-

not exceed the stated GVWR.

Water and propane also need to be considered. The

weight of fully filled propane containers is considered

part of the weight of the trailer before it is loaded with

cargo and is not considered part of the disposable cargo

load. Water, however, is a cargo weight and is treated as

such. If there is a fresh water storage tank of 100 gal-

lons, this tank when filled would weigh about

800 pounds. If more cargo is being transported, water

can be off-loaded to keep the total amount of cargo

added to the vehicle within the limits of the GVWR so as

not to overload the vehicle. Understanding this flexibility

will allow you, the owner, to make choices that fit your

travel and camping needs.

When loading your cargo, be sure it is distributed evenly

to prevent overloading front to back and side to side.

Heavy items should be place low and as close to the axle

positions as reasonable. Too many items on one side

may overload a tire. The best way to know the actual

weight of the vehicle is to weigh it at a public scale. Talk

to your trailer dealer to discuss the weighing methods

needed to capture the various weights related to the

trailer. This would include weights for the following: axles,

wheels, hitch or pin and total weight.

How Overloading Affects Your Trailer and Tires

The results of overloading can have serious conse-

quences for passengers’ safety. Too much weight on

your vehicle’s suspension system can cause spring,

shock absorber, or brake failure, handling or steering

problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.

An overloaded vehicle is hard to drive and hard to stop.

In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail com-

pletely, particularly on steep hills. The load a tire will

carry safely is a combination of the size of the tire, its

load range, and corresponding inflation pressure.

Excessive loads and/or under inflation cause tire over-

loading, and as a result, abnormal tire flexing occurs.

This situation can generate an excessive amount of heat

within the tire. Excessive heat may lead to tire failure.

It is the air pressure that enables a tire to support the

load, so proper inflation is critical. Since trailer’s can be

configured and loaded in many ways, air pressure must

be determined from actual loads (determined by weigh-

ing) and taken from the load and inflation tables provided

by the tire manufacturer. These air pressures may differ

from those found on the certification label. However, they

should never exceed the tire limitation for load or air

pressure. If you discover that your tires cannot support

the actual weights, the load will need to be lightened.

Identification And Safety

Tire Safety Tips

Preventing Tire Damage

• Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other

object in the road.

• Do not run over curbs or other foreign objects in the

roadway, and try not to strike the curb when parking.

Tire Safety Checklist

• Check tire pressure regularly (at least once a

month), including the spare.

• Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread,

cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of wear or

trauma.

• Remove bits of glass and foreign objects wedged in

the tread.

• Make sure all of your tire valves have valve caps

• Check tire pressure before going on a long trip.

• Do not overload your vehicle. Check the Tire Infor-

mation and Loading Placard or Owner’s Manual for

the maximum recommended load for the vehicle.

Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit

1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of

occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX

lbs." on your vehicle placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and

passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-

sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.

4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of

cargo and luggage capacity.

For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs.

and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your

vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage

capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and

cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may

not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage

capacity calculated in Step 4.

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your

trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult

this Manual to determine how this reduces the

available cargo and luggage capacity of your

vehicle.

Identification And Safety

Loss Of Carrying Capacity Due To Under Inflation

Load Capacity ST205/75*15 (C(

PSI 50 45 40 35 30 25

Load

Capacity

1820 1720 1610 1480 1360 1220

*2014 Tire and Rim Association

Tighten Each Lug Nut In The Order

Shown

NOTE:

Start all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross threading.

Wheel nut torque requirements vary depending on the

size and manufacturer of the wheel. Always use the

wheel manufacturer’s recommendation but do not

exceed 100 ft/lbs on 1/2 inch studs, or 130 ft/lbs on 9/16

inch studs. Unless otherwise specified by the wheel

manufacturer, use a final torque of 85-95 ft/lbs.

NOTE:

It is recommended that wheel bearings be repacked

yearly.

W ARNING

Never exceed the wheel manufacturer’s recom-

mendations.

W ARNING

It is important to maintain proper wheel nut torque

to provide safe and secure attachment of the

wheel to the hub/drum.

DANGER

Be sure to use wheel nuts that are compatible with

the coin in the wheel. Improperly torqued wheel

nuts can cause the wheel to separate from the

wheel mounting surface during operation. This

could result in property damage, serious personal

injury or loss of life. Do not over torque.

W ARNING

Do not place a jack against the trailer underbelly

when changing a tire. To avoid damage to your RV,

be sure the jack is placed firmly against the chas-

sis frame and place it as close to the spring hang-

ers as possible.

Air Pressure

Remember that the air pressure in your camper tires will

not be the same as the pressure in your tow vehicle tires.

Always inflate camper tires to the correct pressure. Do

not over or under inflate. Under-inflated tires will run hot,

shortening the tire’s life and decreasing the camper’s

safe load limit. Over-inflated tires will cause a rough and

bouncy ride that can damage the camper or the cargo.

Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as a tire that has

not been used for 3 or more hours, or has been driven

less than one mile. Tire inflation pressure of a hot tire

may show an increase of as much as 6 psi over a cold

tire.

50 45 40 35 30 25

Load Capacity

1820 1720 1610 1480 1360 1220

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

Load Capacity ST205/75*15 “C”

Identification And Safety

Lug Bolts

It is also important to check the wheel lug bolts regularly

for tightness. Each lug bolt should be torqued according

to the following:

TORQUE STAGES

1st Stage Aluminum 45–50 ft/lbs

Steel 60–65 ft/lbs

2nd Stage Aluminum 90–95 ft/lbs

Steel 70–75 ft/lbs

Check the lug bolts per the following schedule:

1. After the initial test, check again after the first

50 miles.

2. Recheck every 50 miles for the next 200 miles.

3. Thereafter, check before each trip.

Check the lug bolts following periods of excessive brak-

ing. Be sure the lug bolts are seated in the counter-sunk

holes of the wheel and keep them free of rust. Refer to

the axle manufacturers’ operation and maintenance

manual for additional information concerning the camp-

er’s wheels and lug bolts. (If the tire manufacturers’ infor-

mation differs from the above instructions, follow the tire

manufacturers’ directions.)

Changing a Tire

Safety is the first consideration if it becomes necessary

to change a tire while traveling. (If equipped with an

optional spare tire, it will be mounted on the outside rear

wall of the camper.) Use the following steps when chang-

ing a tire:

1. If the flat/damage occurs while driving, bring your

tow vehicle and camper to a controlled and gradual

stop.

2. Pull off the road as far as safely possible.

3. Turn on hazard warning flashers.

4. If the flat/damage occurs at night, use flares or

warning lights also.

5. Use a block to stabilize the opposite wheel.

6. If the wheel has a hub cap, remove it.

7. Raise the camper slightly with a hydraulic or scis-

sors style jack placed directly under the camper

frame. Do not use a bumper style jack or place any

jack under the bumper.

8. Loosen the wheel lug bolts.

9. Use the jack to raise the tire off the road.

10. Remove the lug bolts, keep them together, and

store them in an easily accessible place.

11. Remove the wheel and replace with the spare

wheel and tire.

12. Replace the lug bolts and tighten by hand.

13. Lower the wheel to the ground and tighten the lug

bolts in the sequence previously outlined. (Recheck

the torque at 50 miles, and every 50 miles thereaf-

ter, for the next 200 miles.)

14. Replace the hub cap, and store the old tire, jack,

and all tools and safety equipment. After changing a

flat, have it repaired or replaced as soon as pos-

sible. If you find yourself with a flat tire and no spare

and you must leave the camper to find a replace-

ment, be sure to solidly stabilize the camper to pre-

vent it from moving or falling off the jack.

Identification And Safety

Weight Terminology

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) - Is the maximum

permissible weight of the RV when fully loaded. It

includes all weights, inclusive of all fluids, cargo, optional

equipment and accessories. For safety and product per-

formance do NOT exceed the GVWR.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - The maximum per-

missible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equip-

ment and accessories that can be safely supported by

each axle.

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) * - Is the typical weight

of the RV as manufactured at the factory. It includes all

weight at the RV’s axle(s) and tongue or pin and LP Gas.

The UVW does not include cargo, fresh potable water,

additional optional equipment or dealer installed

accessories.

*Estimated Average based on standard build optional

equipment.

CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) ** - Is the amount of

weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, additional

optional equipment and accessories. CCC is equal to

GVWR minus UVW. Available CCC should accommo-

date fresh potable water (8.3 lbs per gallon). Before fill-

ing the fresh water tank, empty the black and gray tanks

to provide for more cargo capacity.

** Estimated average based on standard build equipment

Each Forest River RV is weighed at the manufacturing

facility prior to shipping. A label identifying the unloaded

vehicle weight of the actual RV and the cargo carrying

capacity is applied to every Forest River RV prior to leav-

ing our facilities.

The load capacity of your RV is designated by weight,

not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all avail-

able space when loading your RV.

Actual towing capacity is dependent upon your particular

loading and towing circumstances, which includes the

GVWR, GAWR and GCWR as well as adequate trailer

brakes. Please refer to the Operator’s Manual of your

vehicle for further towing information.

Weighing Your Camping Trailer

To weigh your camper properly, use the following

procedure:

1. Level the trailer and make sure that it remains level

throughout the weighing process.

2. To compute gross vehicle weight, pull the trailer

onto the scales and weigh with both the axle and

front jack resting on the scale. The difference

between the weight of the camper fully loaded and

empty is the rated personal cargo weight. If for

example the GVWR of your camper is listed at

7040 lbs. and empty it weighs 4755 lbs., your per-

sonal cargo weight cannot exceed 2285 lbs. The

GVWR must not exceed the GVWR found on the

certification decal.

3. For tongue weight, rest only the hitch on the scale

and weigh with the camper fully loaded for travel

(Tongue weight = GVWR minus (GAWR*# axles)).

4. To compute gross axle weight, pull forward so that

only the camper axle is resting on the scale. If the

weight exceeds the GAWR on the weight distribu-

tion information sticker, remove or redistribute the

weight to meet the proper specification. The differ-

ence between gross vehicle weight and gross axle

weight is the tongue weight.

If additional items are added to the camper after it has

been weighed and the loading analysis completed, weigh

each additional item using a bathroom scale before plac-

ing it in the camper. The total of these items are then

added to the GVW originally determined.

Remember that by adding additional weight, you may be

affecting the tongue weight of the trailer. The tongue

weight is increased by moving cargo forward and

decreased by moving cargo toward the rear. However,

too much weight in the rear can cause sway, or handling

instability.

Once you become familiar with loading your camper and

know how to distribute the weight, make a list and a dia-

gram you can use for future reference. Plan your loading

and storage so that emergency items are easily

accessed. Place heavier or breakable items on the

camper floor for greater load stability. Make sure these

items are well packed and secured to prevent move-

ment. Take extra care not to overload the front and rear

ends of the camper.

Use packing material around breakable items such as

plates and glasses if you will be traveling over rough

roads or terrain. It is a good idea to use non-skid mate-

rials under heavier items to help prevent breakage or

load shifting.

Resist the temptation to carry more supplies than you

need. It is important to remember that the weight of items

you purchase while traveling must be added to the

camper weight, and you may need to rearrange items to

maintain correct load distribution.

Weighing, Loading And Towing

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forest river Coachmen Clipper Owner's manual

Brand: forest river

Model: Coachmen Clipper

Category: Cars

Type: Owner's manual

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forest river Coachmen Clipper Owner's manual

forest river Coachmen Clipper Owner's manual

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